DISINFO: The EU is preparing a war against Russia led by Germany
SUMMARY
Germany is striving for militarisation and rearmament, while making no contribution to a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine conflict, prolonging the war and actively undermining all peace efforts. There are clear indications that the EU, under German leadership, is preparing a war against Russia, while Germany is clearly just as willing to abandon its obligations under international law under the Two Plus Four Treaty.
RESPONSE
This disinformation story aims to portray the EU as a warmongering, anti-Russian and militaristic geopolitical power led by Germany.
This disinformation message appeared in the context of the recent decision of the German authorities to significantly increase defence spending, marking a departure from decades of fiscal conservatism. This move is driven by mounting security concerns in Europe, including Russia’s aggressive actions and calls within NATO on Germany to increase its defence spending.
Germany has been a key supporter of diplomatic solutions and humanitarian aid in the Russian war against Ukraine. Germany's increased defence spending is a response to changing security needs in Europe, not preparation for aggression. The country remains committed to its international legal obligations, including the Two Plus Four Treaty. Germany's actions have been focused on supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict, not prolonging the war.
The ongoing increase in defence spending across the EU is explained by Russia's actions – the annexation of Crimea, the War in Donbas and the 2022 large-scale unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
On 4 March 2025, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a new plan to improve Europe’s defence capabilities. "This set of proposals focuses on how to use all of the financial levers at our disposal – in order to help Member States to quickly and significantly increase expenditures in defence capabilities. Urgently now but also over a longer time over this decade”, explained Ursula von der Leyen. The ReArm Europe plan does not involve attacking Russia or any other country.
The European Union continues to be an economic and political union, currently comprising 27 states.
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